Devotional:Why Be Strong and of Good Courage?

By Marsha Iddings

Joshua 1:9  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

In the first chapter of Joshua it talks about being strong and courageous four times. (verses 6,7,9,18)  When a theme is repeated like this it is wise to go back and see why it is so important.

In verse 7 they were supposed to be strong and courageous to observe and obey the law of God. As I read my Bible, I find that it takes strength and courage to obey and do what the Bible teaches when so many today are teaching just the opposite.  There are many who are rising up to oppose Christian values on every front.  It takes courage for God's people to stand up for what His Word teaches.

Verse 9 tells us to be strong and of good courage because the Lord our God is with us where ever we go.  If the God of the universe is with us where ever we go, what need do we have of being dismayed?

When life throws a curve ball at us we may find ourselves getting discouraged and dismayed.  This is a normal human response.  However, since these are commands, I take it that we don't have to remain in that state.  We can take steps to encourage ourselves in the Lord and rest in His sovereignty over our lives.  He is the God of the universe and He will be with us where ever we go and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.